The Vincent Black Shadow needs no introduction. In its time, this was the fastest road going motorcycle money could buy. The build quality and mechanical excellence was far beyond any other british motorcycle of the time. Ironically, the cost involved to build such an advanced motorcycle, was ultimately what caused the factory to close.
The Black Shadow was the tuned version of the 998cc V-Twin and was introduced in 1948 being fitted with Brampton girder forks. Shortly thereafter the C Series was introduced, making way for Vincent’s own patented Girdraulic front fork.
The final iteration of the Black Shadow came in 1955, with the introduction of the D series. Unfortunately 1955 was also the last year of production and so only 144 examples of the D Series Black Shadow were produced before the factory ceased production. In comparison, more than 1500 examples of the Series C Black Shadow were produced. The D Series Black Shadow is a rare bird indeed.
This lovely example was sold new in the US and is all matching numbers: rear frame (RFM), upper frame (UFM) and engine together with matching crankcase halves.
Not much history is known until the early 1990s when the Black Shadow was sold to Sweden as a complete project in big lumps but in need of a full restoration. Shortly after arriving in Sweden, a full restoration was commisioned.
The restorer is a well known and respected Vincent restorer who has owned and restored many Vincents in the past. At one point he also owned a genuine and fully documented matching numbers Black Lightning.
The Black Shadow was restored nut and bolt to factory condition: everything that was cadmium plated originally has been cadmium plated, gold leaf lining to the tank and correct Black Shadow livery on top of the tank (only the D Series had the Black Shadow livery on top of the petrol tank). There are a few photos and several invoices on file from the restoration at various stages.
Following the restoration it was sold to its long term owner who owned the Vincent for 20+ years, spending more time admiring, than riding it.
Since 2017 the Black Shadow has resided with a private collector in the UK where it has been kept in a ‘Carcoon’.
Today, the Black Shadow remains highly original and still in immaculate condition.
Comes with modern Swedish (EU) registration documents.
Please note, this Vincent is located near London, UK. We can arrange for easy transport to mainland Europe.
Please get in touch for more info and photos.
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